He’s already got plenty of stamps in his passport but Peter Horbury will soon add another as he trades Sweden for a new base in China.

The long-time director of design for Gothenburg-based Volvo, Horbury has been named the new styling chief for aspiring Chinese automaker Geely. But he won’t entirely cut his ties to the land of the midnight sun, as he will also continue overseeing operations at Volvo, which was purchased by Geely in 2010.

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The move underscores the global ambitions of the Chinese maker, considered one of the most promising of that country’s domestic brands. While it is relying on Volvo as the spearhead in its worldwide assault the Geely Group clearly also wants to build up its original Chinese brand name, as well.